By Kelly Hirsh on Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 9:37 am: |
Jake & Linda...having spent many a fantastic Bonaire vacation staying at the Sunset Beach Hotel I was at first distressed over your Letter to the Editor. Upon reflection I realized the validity of your suggestion of a Bonairian owned/operated beach. The hotel was not that much, my loyalty was to the Sunset Beach Dive Center and to the super dive site "Front Porch". Because of the closing of the Sunset Beach Hotel the Sunset Beach Dive Center was forced to close and the waves of "Linny" all but destroyed the beach. It is time that Bonaire has a unrestricted beach easily reached by all. Properly restored, Playa Leche would be perfect and will serve the residents, the cruise ship industry and of course the divers. You have my vote (just so it isn't a "butterfly ballot" !!!!
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By Jerry Gauron on Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 11:47 am: |
Good for you Kelly!
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By Kelly Hirsh on Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 11:56 am: |
"Ah, the good old days!"... you got that right Jerry. It seems the easy going days of beach diving have been replaced by a need to "bag" as many dive sites as possible. I fondly remember just grabbing a tank and falling off the pier at Sunset Beach, drop down to visit the sunken tug, an easy cruise to visit the folks at Sand Dollar, then a slow drift back to Playa Leche..{major sigh}
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By Jake Richter - NetTech on Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 12:02 pm: |
As an FYI for those reading this topic, the original letter we submitted to the Bonaire Reporter follows:
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By Glen Reem on Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 1:41 pm: |
Wonderful idea, J & L!!!
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By Niki Harris on Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 1:48 pm: |
This is the best idea and you have expressed it very well. Thank you for putting this out. It is a truly appropriate plan that would benefit everyone. Bravo!
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By Robert Deal on Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 5:11 pm: |
Great idea, as mentioned by all above.
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By Ellen Muller on Friday, December 1, 2000 - 11:48 am: |
Sounds like a great idea to me, Jake and Linda.
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By DARLENE ELLIS on Friday, December 1, 2000 - 1:34 pm: |
That is such a great idea! I had no idea that there were no nice local beaches for Bonairean families to go. Good luck!!!
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By Jerry Gauron on Friday, December 1, 2000 - 3:46 pm: |
Here are a few things to toss around.
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By Kerri Freeman on Friday, December 1, 2000 - 4:01 pm: |
Jake and Linda:It seems Canada and Bonaire have a lot in common. In Ontario, within the last couple of years, we've bought back an island that had been in private (foreign) hands.Some government help and some with moneys from a private group,I think a nature conservancy, who are now trying to raise donations. And our eastern provinces, with some of the most beautiful oceanfront on earth, have been faced with losing access to folks from 'away' who're building summer homes there....The local municipalities and legislatures are scrambling to get laws in place to ensure that they can hold onto their heritage.They make their livings from the sea and they like to take their kids there without crossing the 'No Trespassing' signs.If you need any back up for your position, I hope this gives it to you.You're dead right in what you're doing....but you knew that. From the posts, your friends know it too.These 'computer geeks' and 'dive bums' are some class act. Sunset Beach..good times are a comin'!
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By Josie on Friday, December 1, 2000 - 10:43 pm: |
Wouldn't it be wonderful if something like what Jerry suggests could be done. I'd certainly make a donation (a larger one if it could be set up in a way that it would be tax-deductible to US residents). Keep us posted on possibilities. And, thanks!
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By Kelly Hirsh on Saturday, December 2, 2000 - 11:01 am: |
Jerry your proposal is super and I will be more than willing to donate to such a cause. To take the dream a step further, reopen the dive shop and expand it so that it would serve all that would use the beach, snorklers, swimmers, sun bathers, etc. (justathought)
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By Kerri Freeman on Sunday, December 3, 2000 - 9:33 pm: |
To Jake,Linda,Jerry...and all comments..I've been trying to think of ways to get on-going sums of money for use in any Bonaire projects designated..it could be in addition to single donations..and small amounts can add up.The premise is:something that's do-able, tax breaks or no,and something satisfactory to a bank: If the bank you mentioned is interested, and legally able,..and if the cost-efficiency is the right balance,what about a credit card with benefits to Bonaire?.(I'm not sure exactly how this works..maybe some of you know..but my alma mater just informed me of a deal like this with VISA...obviously the bank get the 5% or whatever from the store, and pays the University something).For that matter, maybe it could be set up with VISA and proceeds assigned to Interbank? or Bonaire.Don't know how many people would have to sign on,but would anybody out there go along with something like this? Switching to a Bonaire card I mean...I use my card enough for l2 and it would be nice to see benefits going somewhere I like!Oops..almost forgot..what about some kind of attractive coin set of NAF that we could buy and use as gifts (nicely packaged, of course)? Or is there some decorative Bonaire stamp we could use on our mail like 'Easter Seals'.(Let's everyone know how they can show care for Bonaire.)
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By Jerry Gauron on Monday, December 4, 2000 - 11:47 am: |
Who are the big players on Bonaire, (the movers and shakers?)We need to get them involved.
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By Lorraine Meadows on Monday, December 4, 2000 - 3:03 pm: |
Wouldn't gov. permits be the thing that would have to be secured for such a project, Isn't that part of what is needed for such a project, besides funding ? I think it's a great idea,but I wonder of the enormous undertaking it would take to see such a thing thru.
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By Jerry Gauron on Monday, December 4, 2000 - 3:58 pm: |
Yes Lorraine, a project of this size will need many permits, (being Bonaire in all). Red tape is not in short supply in Bonaire from what I'm told.
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By thomas brossard on Monday, December 4, 2000 - 10:38 pm: |
I am all for the undertaking of this type, but I doubt that it will (or could) get the international or even local support that Klien got as the circumstances and politics of the situation would be so vastly different. The Bank will not be willing to work much, I don't believe, as they have the premiere piece of waterfront property on the island and I would be stunned if they wanted to "unload" it or be philanthropic with it.
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By Jake Richter - NetTech on Tuesday, December 5, 2000 - 8:22 am: |
Sorry I haven't responded sooner - ended up on an unplanned trip to NYC (and not on AJ because I left on Sunday - took ALM to Curacao and then American from there). And it's way too cold in Manhattan right now. Brr!
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By Glen Reem on Tuesday, December 5, 2000 - 11:27 am: |
There is also the practical problem for the
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By Jerry Gauron on Tuesday, December 5, 2000 - 12:08 pm: |
Does anyone know the asking price for the SunSet?
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By Bruce Bowker on Tuesday, December 5, 2000 - 9:36 pm: |
The idea of a public beach instead of a hotel has been printed before, almost 2 years ago. The government was also sent a letter suggesting it.
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By Niki Harris on Wednesday, December 6, 2000 - 2:37 am: |
Thinking about what has changed since 2 years ago...: If no one made a go of the hotel when it was still an intact building, now that the fire has destroyed part of it, there might be greater incentive to entertain alternative ideas.
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By Jerry Gauron on Wednesday, December 6, 2000 - 11:43 am: |
Good point Niki
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By michael gaynor on Thursday, December 7, 2000 - 9:28 am: |
I am so sorry to read your posting and all of the misinformation re Bonaire you are reporting. You seem to be parroting the political dogma that is part of any developing economy. You point out the problems, my friend, without any consideration for the people who work tirelessly to keep the culture and enviorment alive. (Keep in mind that the people of Bonaire have to eat and buy the essentials of life.) Many of your points are merely heresay and just a cop out. It is easy to take a position from afar, but those of us (natives and transplants) who live here are really the ones who see what is really happening. I have not been taking part in this forum to date, for a number of reasons, but I do assure you that the majority of what you say has are that Bonaireans are aware of but, there are many good people in government who have a vision for the islands future and are true Bonaireans. It is an insult for foreigners (yes I am one too) to pass judgement when they are not educated in the facts. Sorry, but I have held my tongue long enough.
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By Jerry Gauron on Thursday, December 7, 2000 - 12:43 pm: |
Please do not misunderstand the last post made by me. It was a copy of a E-mail that I rec’d from a friend that lives on Bonaire. This was and is not my impression. This person has worked very hard to help Bonaire’s reputation – safety – and other charitable ongoings. But he is upset with a small group of Government officials who seem to be holding back Bonaire. He would not say who, or what there part in this problem was. So I gave you all the only information I had. We outsiders see changes made when come down on vacation, we are there two-five weeks a year. From this short visit, we see changes, talk to people, and come away with a impression, right or wrong, that is what happens to most of us. Something must be right, because we keep going back year after year.
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By thomas brossard on Thursday, December 7, 2000 - 3:31 pm: |
I'm sorry you take such offense to an obviously plausible statement of opinion on the goings-on on Bonaire, Michael.
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By PATTY HAZEN on Thursday, December 7, 2000 - 5:55 pm: |
Dear Michael,
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By michael gaynor on Thursday, December 7, 2000 - 7:09 pm: |
One last comment and as Chief Joseph said, I will fight no more. Many of the folks profiting from the constructiion, projects, etc. are Antillean/Bonaireans, following their dream. Jerry, I did not mean to offend or attack you and I understand all the concerns of all of the Americans/Europeans who love Bonaire, but it is their country and for better or worse, they will find solutions or face the error of their ways.
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By Lorraine Meadows on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 12:11 am: |
I totaly agree with Michael, trying to figure out Bonairian politics is as bad as figuring out our own in America lately.(I don't really understand either and prefere not to be involved)
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By Kerri Freeman on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 7:39 am: |
New Thread from The Santa Patrol: Linda Richter, Do you think anybody you know would be interested in receiving Santa Patrol reports on Dec.24th...When I worked in radio, among the jobs I most enjoyed was my yearly report which let all the girls and boys know whether Santa had left the North Pole yet;how the reindeer looked, and if the sleigh was full-to-bursting with goodies. And since the people who write this board come from everywhere, we'd have some good scouts (if they're going to be home to tell us what they see).Way up where she is,I'm sure Domenica would see him first...maybe me next, or Nikki who might get a picture? He has so many places to be, we could probably track him thru Long Island,and New Hampshire,Boston Mass and anywhere else there's a small person who wants to know(RDeal said he had a young daughter, do you know if she's Santa age?)And probably Ellen could get something closer to home (like on the postcard?) Everybody who wants to would be welcome to give a report..right to Bonaire's door.And if anybody wants to e-mail me with hints about presents,or the recipe for Santas favourite cookies,or what to feed reindeer,I canbe reached at Carefree@interactive.rogers.com. I'm happy to e-mail kids schools etc...Rum Raisin by the way....Santa's favourite cookies are Rum Raisin... with a glass of milk and ....well no more now...could we post here? or another board? Well I can't post, but since you show us fish, I can keep my eyese Ho, Ho, Hoooh-pen and show you Santa.
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By Lorraine Meadows on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 8:27 am: |
Count me in Kerri! I'll be around early Xmas-eve.
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By Kelly Hirsh on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 9:25 am: |
Jake/Linda or other Bonaire contributor - on my annual Thanksgiving pilgrimage to Bonaire I observed the arrival, usually via pickup truck, of what I believe to be the Bonairian version of St. Nick and his trusty aides. If you have a few extra minutes (which is asking a lot the way this site is growing) would you be so kind to describe the Bonairian version of St. Nick
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By Ellen Muller on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 11:55 am: |
Kelly, do you mean what does he look like? Does this help?
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By Kelly Hirsh on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 1:23 pm: |
Thanks Ellen. The picture helps, but I was also looking for the "story" of his arrival and the meaning of his assistants. In the USofA Santa Claus has his elves and arrives via a sleigh drawn by 8 tiny reindeer. This tale would not work on Bonaire
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By Ellen Muller on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 2:15 pm: |
Kelly, try this link.....
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By Ellen Muller on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 2:30 pm: |
Kelly, Sanikolas arrives in Bonaire aboard the Samur, an authentic 56' Siamese junk and has been seen this past week riding around Bonaire in a jeep with his helpers(Black Peters). The rest of the story is pretty much the same as in Holland.
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By michael gaynor on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 2:39 pm: |
Ellen! The link just ate up one hour of my Bonairelive time and it was worth it! Thank You!!
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By Robert Deal on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 2:54 pm: |
Great link...I just spent my lunchtime investigating. Got sidetracked into recipes for speculaas and pepernoten, as well: this could be dangerous to the diet! One of the joys of coming to Bonaire in January is finding speculaas cookies on the shelves of the markets---we always grab a big supply.
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By Kelly Hirsh on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 4:52 pm: |
Ellen.. absolutely perfect. I have seen Sanikolas riding around with his helpers, your link completed the circle not to mention taking me to a site where I can completely ruin any chance I have of dieting before the Holidays! Thanks a million (I think ).
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By Kerri Freeman on Friday, December 8, 2000 - 6:00 pm: |
Ellen..what a wonderful link!As Kelli put it, 'absolutely perfect'. Haven't got through all of it because 'the dreaded lake affect' is picking on Toronto today along with an 'Alberta Clipper'(very cold gusty winds), and have just fought my way home.I'm so glad :-) for the volunteers for the Santa Patrol and the ideas suggested..Robert, we used to "take" a Norad feed..maybe someone out there has the expertise to describe the special 'love'craft that accompany Santa's sleigh...maybe they are"stealth" technology because it is hard to see them the children tell me. You said you combined traditions and so does our family. We celebrate Chanuka as well as Christmas, so to celebrate the sacred oil that lasted 7 days when really there was onlyenough for 1 day, some of the family give Santa potato pancakes with apple sauce or sour cream (he loves them) and home-made sugar donuts(they're always gone in the morning,too).:-) yummm. Kelli, probably around New Orleans,Santa switches from his sleigh to a boat...he wants to reach all the children, in fact I think there's someplace I've been where he arrives in a conch shell drawn by seahorses...I'm sure when we see him it'll be appropriate...and I'm glad you mentioned the different ways he appears..after the coals and the oranges I was a bit foggy. (Oh I do go on when I'm excited). We'll certainly finish after the childrens' bed time...any suggestions on a starting hour? What a trip report this'll be..!
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By Anonymous on Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 2:24 pm: |
"Many of the folks profiting from the constructiion, projects, etc. are Antillean/Bonaireans"
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By michael gaynor on Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 5:59 pm: |
I beg to differ with you....e mail me and we can discuss it...don't want you to loose your anonymymous status.
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By Dara Walter on Saturday, December 16, 2000 - 10:13 pm: |
I've been wondering about some of the references in the "Santa Tracking" thread....and here are the missing snippets nested at the Sunset Beach Hotel...... Perhaps Santa Claus, with all of his magic and goodwill, his unfailing optimism and the ability to reach across time, space and cultural barriers, his boundless enthusiasm for the good that lives in the hearts of men, will deliver the seeds of hope and vision to a Bonairean stocking this Christmas eve. It only takes one person, with a dream put into action, to change the world....or an island.
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